Cam vs. Linear string gripper

[fantom]

Everybody always says on these boards that the linear string gripper is better than the cam gripper.

They don't need as much string, are easier to operate, and don't kink the string.

Why does Gamma still use the cam style gripper if it isn't the best gripper? Is there some positive attribute of the cam gripper that people are missing? From what I see, only Eagnas and Alpha use the linear gripper......and I would never consider buying the Eagnas....

Does anybody have experience with the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus?

I know that LF has their own gripper. I can't justify paying that much more money.........

 

[barry]

From the people who seem to know the most!

Why is the linear ball bearing string gripper better than a cam (parallel jaw) string gripper? How does the linear ball bearing string gripper work?

The linear ball bearing string gripper consists of two metal blocks, 16 balls and a gripper housing. Two metal blocks are mounted against these 16 balls, 8 balls are for each metal block. Therefore, these two metal blocks will be able to slide to the left or right side smoothly. When they are at the left side, the gap between these two metal blocks is narrow. When they slide to the right, the gap is wide. When you place the string between these two metal blocks, these metal blocks will slide to the left and grip the string automatically. There is no bolt needed or muscle to use. The linear ball bearing string gripper will grip the string even before the drop weight rod is pulled. Therefore, you only need to use one hand to operate the linear ball bearing string gripper.

The cam string gripper will grip the string only when the drop weight rod is pulled. You always need to use two hands to operate the cam gripper: one hand has to pull the string with muscle, and the other hand to operate the drop weight rod.

The cost of the linear ball bearing string gripper is much higher than the cost of the cam string gripper. All the professional stringing machines use the linear ball bearing string gripper.

What type of string gripper is better, the linear ball bearing string gripper or the cam (parallel jaw) string gripper?

The linear ball bearing string gripper is better, because it is much quicker and easier to use. All the professional stringing machines use the linear ball bearing string gripper.

 

[fantom]

Thanks for the definition...That didn't really answer any of my questions...

 

[Gaines Hillix]

fantom, Gamma doesn't use the cam gripper on all of their machines, just some of their drop weights and low end electric machines. I can't speak for them, but I assume this is a cost issue. The linerar gripper is more expensive. The Alpha Pioneer DC Plus is one of the better conventional drop weights out there and is comparable to the Gamma X-6 FC, but the Alpha machine has the linear gripper. If you have questions about it, send an email to Mark Gonzalez at Alpha; mark@alphatennis.com

 

[10isbum]

Have both of the Alpha machines, one with the linear string gripper and one with the jaw cam gripper. The linear is superior because it has never slipped and requires less string. In order to get a more secure girp with the cam gripper, I have to wrap the string around twice. On the other hand, you cannot make a full turn with the linear string gripper because it will get in the way of the string being pulled. Depending on how many rackets you intend to string will be a factor as you can learn to live with either one. Several years ago, New Tech had indicated that the Pioneer DC did not utilize the linear string gripper, was because of the patent rights and anyone wishing to use it had to pay a royalty. Either the patent has run out or Alpha was willing to pay the royalty is my guess. I was also able to buy the parts necessary to convert my older machine to a linear string gripper.

 

[fantom]

So you have the new Alpha Pioneer DC Plus? I think the picture on NewTech Tennis is incorrect. Does the one you have look like this:

http://img178.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img178&image=piodcplus3qq.jpg

If this is one of the machines you have, are you happy w/ it?

 

[10isbum]

Yes, that is exactly what my machine looks like and if you will look at Eagnas, you will see that you have a very similar product. It's called the Combo 710 and if you notice, same color just a different base. Very happy with the machine and quite an improvement over Alpha older model. Only down side is that the older model, you can open wider to accomodate a longer head racket but so far, I haven't run into any that didn't fit the new machine. But if I do, then I can use my older model which has been modified with a combo string gripper, both a linear and jaw cam. The down side to the older machine was the ratchet spring which seem to break about every 35 to 125 string jobs. However, with the new one, haven't broke one yet and I have strung over 125 rackets so far. The string clamps seem to be improved with better grip and also not needing an allen wrench to adjust. When I was trying to decide between the Alpha and the Gamma, at that time, the Gamma had a plastic string clamps and the Alpha was metal. One other advantage of the linear over the cam jaw is that the linear is less harsh on natural gut.
One other point, is that New Tech did an outstanding job with their warantee of the Alpha DC machine. The first time I broke a clutch spring, it was on Friday and once that happens you cannot continuing stringing. I called them and they explained what happen and a new clutch spring was in my mail box on Monday via Priority mail, and that was from Texas to California.

 

[diredesire]

I think the linear string gripper is superior in some aspects, whereas a CAM gripper has some advantages... IMO EITHER<-- system will require 2 hands, the CAM will require the wrap and the thread, whereas the linear will require you to hold the string while dropping the weight. If you get a linear ball bearing gripper with a ratchet IMO that is probably the best system you can get, it'll be fairly gentle on the string, and won't have any huge angles to deal with.